Bilibu’s mood that was already at rock bottom somehow managed to plummet even further. He felt sick.

 

What was this ‘ally’ of his doing here?

 

He knew who this was, everybody did. But he himself knew things about the Octopus that only 1 other living being knew thanks to their shared ‘relationship’. And it was because of this that he knew that the fear that the general population had for this figure was not nearly enough. If they knew the things that he knew, this place would have emptied out in a single moment.

 

As for the upcoming Kaiser battle? What a pathetic farce. He already felt sorry for whoever ‘won’. If it was up to him he would never compete, but unfortunately he didn’t have a choice.

 

“Bilibu, my great friend!” The octopus spoke out with a deep, smooth and noble tone, unbefitting his appearance and the common savagery/coldness that all other sea creatures had.

 

“Why so glum? Are you not happy to see me? I came a long way just to see if you were okay, but this is what I’m met with? How cold!” The octopus complained in a slightly jovial manner. Hearing him, one would think that after swimming from east to west and north to south, they had finally found a sea creature who wasn’t cruel like the others.

 

Alas, this couldn’t be any further from the truth. Everybody knew this much and the members of Bilibu’s army who had chosen to block the way started trembling even more.

 

Everybody knew about the ‘gentle’ Sea Emperor who would apologise to you, just before he chucked you into his mouth. What was worse was that the greedy creature didn’t spare anyone or anything. He always spoke about being forced by the cruel nature of the sea, claiming that he was peaceful at heart. Yet he himself was one of the most proficient when it came to slaughter.

 

Most Sea Emperors wouldn’t bother with Spirit Beasts (Realm 2) and below, because they were effectively useless to them. But this Sea Emperor would even chase after those without any cultivation.

 

There was a reason why he came here alone, and that was because everyone who resided in his territory had already fled or had long become nutrients. Nobody dared to go there anymore.

 

“Kazolix…” Bilibu spoke out slowly. For a moment there was a tense, loaded silence that had everybody fearing for the worst, but then Bilibu spoke once more. “I am of course glad to have you here… All of you, don’t you know who this is? Get out of the way!”

 

Nobody needed to be told twice, they immediately withdrew with haste.

 

“Aaah… No need to frighten them” Emperor Kazolix sighed. “How many times have I told you, you’re too heavy with your words.”

 

Bilibu didn’t respond.

 

“So, who is this fellow?” Kazolix asked, referring to the silver cocoon and asking the question that everybody else had had on their mind. A few even shifted a little closer as if they were afraid to miss the answer.

 

“This…” Bilibu’s aura flagged with violence, shocking those close to him.

 

Kazolix’s giant gold eyes narrowed slightly.

 

“This… is… Zuko.” Bilibu spoke out slowly with terribly hidden malice.

 

Kazolix blinked. Everyone else in the vicinity practically recoiled.

 

The strongest Sea King was finally advancing to the 4th Realm? Here of all places? Was this stupidity or stupidity? Many scorned Zuko’s intelligence for what he was doing but at the same time, they were all excited to see what kind of evolution a talented figure like that would receive. An opportunity like this, where they got to witness such a delicate but marvellous affair without having to worry about their life too much, was practically unprecedented.

 

“Zuko…” Kazolix muttered with his mind elsewhere. However a few seconds later his eyes flashed with an emotion that could only be called ‘mad greed’. He composed himself quickly, but it was impossible for something like that to go completely unnoticed. Bilibu was one of the few who had seen it, and his heart squeezed with dread as a sudden thought crossed his mind.

 

‘No…’ He whined as the revelation of what was now likely to happen caused his stomach drop. He felt like his revenge was slipping out of his hands. No! He would not allow this!

 

“Emperor Kazolix,” Bilibu started respectfully. He had to do whatever it took to dispel Kazolix’s interest. “The thing is, this-”

 

=Save it, Bilibu. You of all people should know that all of the things you could do to me, deception has to be the one with the least effect. I do not know why you are angry at this creature, and honestly, I don't particularly care. I want him alive. Listen to my command, or die.= Kazolix spoke in his mind, ruining his plan before it could even begin.

 

=.....Yes, Master.= Bilibu responded back subserviently. However, the effort that he was using to restrain his anger was causing him to visibly shiver.

 

=Good, now finish your sentence. You know what to do.=

 

Bilibu slowly undulated his body, which was the equivalent of most other creatures taking a deep breath

 

Everyone could tell that Bilibu was angry like never before. Clearly, Zuko’s audacious act  had enraged him exponentially. Not that they cared. In fact, they were excited to hear the promises of carnage that Bilibu would swear to inflict. Free entertainment!

 

“This…” Bilibu spoke out, trying to act as if he were lost for words and creating an excuse for the previous lapse in speech. “This Zuko here… he is just so talented. It would be great if I could nurture him as my subordinate.”

 

Silence befell the gathering, the little chittering here and there along with the small *swooshes* of water coming to a complete stop.

 

Kazolix blinked.

 

=You… You fool! Has your anger affected your brain? Who would believe a word you say when the killing intent radiating off your pores is enough to make a person choke. Useless! Just listen to what I say and follow my orders. I can just barely salvage this.= Kazolix growled telepathically, losing a bit of his noble demeanour.